MS Byte # Hello there. Long time no post. A few days after my last post I had an acute MS attack. ( also known as an exacerbation, see below) I awoke feeling light headed and tingling in my legs that had been getting worse the last few days seemed more bothersome. I sat up in bed and asked my husband to bring me a drink and maybe a gluten free craker as my stomach began to feel week as did my entire body. My first thought was that I had low blood sugar. Suddenly a wave of what felt like fire(no exaggeration)crawled up my legs, into my chest and throat. I felt soooo much pain and fear. I felt that if it reached my head I would surel die, no exaggeration. I took a step forward and collapsed, too weak to move or speak correctly and my husband called 911. I could go into more detail but I think you get the picture. MS is a terrible unpredictable disease and I thank God the prayer of a dear Priest I am able to use my legs but I am very week from this attack and I need to use a cane.(Time to buy a stair chair lift thingy) The muslces in my face, throat, legs and arms are still effected and I have not returned to normal. I thought I would be spending my summer at a cottage but I spent most of it in OT and PT and speech therarpy trying to make sense of this and heal. My son and oldest daughter came home to help with driving and meals. I have so much to be thankful for. I cope with A good sense of humor, support from family,faith, and friends helps but so many peopel who have this disease become isolated. Their cognitive and physical problems make them afraid to socialize and the financial burdens they have to face is astronomical. (It could cost as much as 30,000 dollars a year to care for a person who is homebound with MS) Looking forward to my third IV steriod injection this week (not, side effects stink) but still it could make a big difference and long term give me a little more quality of life. Hope you enjoy the photo. I hope it makes you laugh!Laughter is the best medicine.
P.S. About a year After using a cane and purchasing stair lift I tried the off label use of the drug Low Dose Naltrexone. I now walk 99% of the time without a cane. Fatigue is in control. It has been a life savor.
